La Salle Prep Falcon Family Forum: October 6, 2017
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Falcon Family Forum

October 6, 2017

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This Week's Stories:

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Mission Minute
Parent Survey for LCAP
Call to Protect Class Next Week
Sophomores Find Fun and Challenges on Retreat
Counseling Office Update - Upcoming College Visits
Tots "Teach" Psychology Students
Freshmen Connect with Counselors, Ask Questions
NCAA & FAFSA Info Night Recap
Athletics Update - Winter Tryouts Coming Soon
Cross Country Excels at Nike Invitational
Students Learn about Unique Gifts at L'Arche
Believe Benefit Dinner Parties with a Purpose Tomorrow
Chess Club Starts with Secret Code, Ice Cream
Ski Team Meetings Coming Up
Articles from The Falconer
Photos of the Week
Got Questions? Ask Parents@lsprep.org
Save the Date for Yulefest

Falcon Pride

Proud students cheer on the Lady Falcon volleyball players during the Red Out last Thursday in the Brick Oven.

Mission Minute

Faith, Service and Community: Together and By Association

When I started working at La Salle as the Director of Campus Ministry more than a decade ago, I immediately found that the student life experience was rich, engaging and diverse. Students had plentiful opportunities to join clubs, plan dances, participate in assemblies, and go on retreats. At the same time, they felt stretched thin. They weren’t sure whether they should commit to the faith aspect of the school, join Student Council, or delve into service. They felt compelled to choose between those opportunities or risk doing too much. They couldn’t do all three. Those three vital pieces of Student Life felt separate and different from one another.

Five years later, La Salle launched a model of Student Life that brought Faith, Service, and Community under one umbrella. Students who joined Student Council suddenly had the chance to work with our directors of Faith, Service, and Community to facilitate liturgies, retreats, service projects, dances, assemblies and spirit weeks. Our Student Life Center became a hub of student activity. The Student Life Team focused on developing student leaders who valued and understood the five core banners and integrated them into their work. Students understood that Faith, Service, and Community are interrelated and dependent on one another.

There is no better example of the connection between Faith, Service, and Community at La Salle than the annual FSC Fair held last week. When students arrived at school, they found the main hallway packed with tables of information about clubs, service trips, retreats, and liturgies. Students signed up to snowshoe on Mt. Hood. Some showed interest in Dungeons and Dragons. Others said they'd serve meals at Blanchet House once a month. Juniors chose which Journey retreat they’d attend, while freshmen’s eyes were opened to everything that La Salle offers. Most importantly, students felt connected and assured that, whether they are interested in Faith, Service, Community, or all of the above, there’s an important place for them here at La Salle.

Brian Devine
Vice Principal of Student Life

Attention Parents: Survey Response Requested

Please share your voice and support La Salle by completing the LCAP survey. Our Lasallian district is coming to assess our Catholic and Lasallian programs from Nov. 7-9. An important part of this process is hearing from each constituency within the community ahead of their visit. We need a strong representative parent voice to ensure the district has quality information to base their commendations and recommendations on. The survey takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance!

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9K2DGS3

Called to Protect Volunteer Training Oct. 11

La Salle will host a volunteer Called to Protect video training at 6 pm on Wednesday, October 11.

The class will take place in the La Salle Center’s Fireside Room. To RSVP for the course, please contact Lauren Craven.

All volunteers who serve in the presence of La Salle students or volunteer 4 or more times during the year need to take Called to Protect training. The initial training is a video, and once you have already seen the video you do not need to see it again. For subsequent years you are required to update your training with online modules.

To learn how to complete an online module to update your training for the 2017-2018 year, contact Lauren Craven or Melanie McCaffrey.

Sophomores Find Fun and Challenges on Retreat

On Monday, October 2, the Sophomores spent a day of retreat at YMCA Camp Collins. Half of the retreat was spent on a challenge course while the other half of the day was spent on retreat led by Lasallian Ministry. It was a fun day of inclusive community building!

A prayer written on the Sophomore Retreat:
Caring and Loving God.
We are sorry for the times we have not been inclusive in our community.
We are grateful for our parents, family, friendships, our community, and being able to spend a day out in nature.
We pray that everyone can appreciate each other and their presence. We pray for the victims of various recent natural disasters. We pray especially for the people of Las Vegas.
Amen

Counseling to Host Common Application Workshop

Common Application Workshop for Seniors
La Salle will be hosting a workshop with Tyler Gilmore from Pacific University in the Library on Oct. 11 from 1-2 pm in the library (seniors do not have school this day as 9-11th grades will be taking the PSAT). Students will learn about creating and completing their Common Application and can also receive an application waiver to apply to Pacific University. Students should bring their iPad. Please RSVP on Schoology or send an email to Alicia Magee if you will be attending.

FAFSA Financial Aid Workshop for Seniors
Saturday, October 14, 11:30am or 1pm at University of Portland
For families who were unable to attend La Salle’s FAFSA Workshop, another option is available with Casandra Esparza, Admissions Counselor, University of Portland and Alex Gonzalez, ECMC Scholars Advisor will offer two sessions at the University of Portland on the FAFSA. RSVP required. See flyer for details.

Upcoming College Visits Next Week
10/9/2017           George Fox University
10/10/2017         The College of Idaho
10/10/2017         Regis University
10/10/2017         Carnegie Mellon University (Off-Campus; RSVP here)
10/10/2017         Linfield College
10/12/2017         Whittier College
10/12/2017         Boston University

Tots "Teach" Pyschology Students

As part of their studies on developmental milestones, Ms. Kerri Kelvin's psychology students observed several future Falcons in the library this week. The group of tots included children of faculty, alums, and friends.

Freshmen Connect with Counselors, Ask Questions

During last Friday's FalconTime, freshmen had the opportunity to connect with their counselors and hear a presentation outlining the services that the La Salle Counseling Department provides.

The freshmen also filled out an online survey to help counselors find out how they could better serve the Class of 2021. The survey also provided an opportunity for students to pose questions. Among them:

Where can I get information about service and volunteering opportunities?
How do I help myself to not get distracted as easily?
How do I check the money I have on my lunch card?
How can I be involved more with LaSalle?
Is there a time I can check in with my counselor regularly, like at the end or the beginning of the week?
When is the best time to contact you in case I need to?
Can we meet to talk about college?
How can you help handle my anxiety and stress?
Could I take the programming class next year?

If your freshman hasn’t yet filled out the survey, it can be found here
https://goo.gl/forms/WFZPhZXNhbiNjKqV2

NCAA Info Night & FAFSA Workshop

On Wednesday, October 4 the La Salle counseling team conducted two workshops for students and families. Mr. Seth Altshuler discussed NCAA eligibility and guidelines for student-athletes in the Hamersly Library. Also that evening Ms. Maritza Mendez and Ms. Alicia Magee conducted a financial aid workshop to assist students and parents in completing the FAFSA. Both were well attended and provided a wealth of information and support for students on their journey to college.

Athletics Update

Tryouts for winter sports are right around the corner! Be sure you are ready to go!

Please check online through RankOne for all eligibility forms/requirements and status of your child’s registration.
Website - https://lasallecatholic.rankonesport.com/New/Home.aspx
Parents: You will need your student’s ID number to check status and/or get registered. You can find the student ID in PowerSchool. Your student will know his/her ID number as well.

Students must meet all requirements by noon on November 9. Practices/Tryouts begin on November 13.

Gentle Care Chiropractic in West Linn is offering a special rate $35 for a sports physical and donating $10 of that back to the Athletic Department. For more details, call (503) 650-2594.

If you have further questions, contact Christine Stroud in the Athletic Department via email at cstroud@lsprep.org.

Coaches wanted:

Want to support La Salle athletics? Our needs change with the seasons, so call us to find out how you can help. For details, contact Athletic Director Chris George.

HEAD COACH

Baseball
Softball
Golf (boys)
Tennis (girls)
Lacrosse (boys)

ASSISTANT COACH
Basketball (girls)
Tennis (boys and girls)

View detailed job descriptions
Online Application

Please share this with your contacts and advise them to complete our online coaching application and send letters of interest and resumes to Christine Stroud, Assistant Athletic Director, at cstroud@lsprep.org.

Follow the Falcons!
Sports team pages & coach contacts on VNN: http://lasalleprepathletics.org/
Big Teams Schedules and Alerts: http://lasallecatholiccollegepreparatory.bigteams.com/main/calendar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lasalleprepathletics (View recent photo albums!)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lsprepathletics

Questions? Contact Athletic Director Chris George '97 at cgeorge@lsprep.org.

Cross Country Excels at Nike Invitational

Cross Country competed at the Nike Portland XC at Portland Meadows this past Saturday and had an impressive showing. The girls team had 3 varsity runners each drop about 20 seconds or more on their personal best, including runner Brigid Hanley who set a new school record with a time of 19:38.6.

The boys ran well also and saw some great times dropped by freshmen who are trying to find a spot on the top 7 Varsity squad. Keep up the great work, runners!

See the photo album on our La Salle Prep Athletics Facebook page. Thanks to Karen DelaCruz Henry for the photos.

Students Learn About Unique Gifts at L’Arche

Eleven students traveled to Tacoma, Wash., to work with the L’Arche Tahoma Hope Community. Those in the L’Arche homes live with and without developmental disabilities and share life in community belonging to an international organization.

While in Tacoma, the group helped on L’Arche’s farm and in their workshops. They worked together to help the community prepare for their annual Harvestfest. They spent time getting to know the L’Arche community, learning about the unique gifts they all have to offer, and examine Catholic Social teaching concerning those with disabilities. This experience provided students with the special opportunity to learn more about themselves and those in our world who have developmental disabilities.

The following is a brief reflection from junior Olivia Keepes, a participant on the L’Arche Tahoma Hope Immersion.

The L’Arche Immersion was truly an amazing experience, and one I will never forget. Being able to work side by side with the core members (intellectually disabled residents) on their farm taught me how to relate better to people who are different than me. The first day was all about getting out of our comfort zones and really trying to make connections and build relationships with the people at the farm.

Over the three days that we were there, those relationships grew and flourished, just as the rows of flowers and plants did in the fields. On the second day, a woman named Debra taught Hanna Nyguen, Dakota Thyken and I how to make paper. It was such a great experience to learn from someone who many people might say has nothing to teach or offer society. That is such a common and heartbreaking misconception about people with mental disabilities. Many believe that since they look or act differently, they can’t contribute to the world effectively. But on this trip, I found the complete opposite to be true. Debra, Les, Leanna, Zach, and everyone else that was part of the L’Arche community taught our group the power of communication, compassion, and acceptance. Those are tools and lessons I can apply to my daily life, even though the trip is over.

The relationships I formed during the three short days that I was at L’Arche are relationships I will cherish forever. The people I met and interacted with have changed my heart, my soul, and my perspective on people who are differently-abled, not disabled.

Believers Party with a Purpose Tomorrow Night

Thanks to all for making La Salle's biggest fundraiser possible

We want to extend gratitude to our volunteers, event and table sponsors, and guests who will join us on campus tomorrow. Thank you for supporting La Salle's largest fundraiser of the year and helping us support students and provide increased accessibility to excellent Catholic education!

We have some great auction packages, such as a Farm to Table dinner for 20, a Sunriver Getaway and a Kellogg, Idaho getaway, along with our ever-popular VIP Falcon package that comes with a VIP parking spot, lunch credit, and tickets to dances and events next school year!

Can't make it? You can still contribute; check out the donation and sponsorship opportunities on our website.

Chess Club Starts with Secret Code, Ice Cream

Chess Club meets on Fridays from 3:00 - 5:00 pm in the Library starting on October 20. The first meeting will reveal the SECRET CODE of chess, and team building ice-cream sundaes will be served!

Come play chess for fun, join your friends in lively play, practice new moves, or experiment with chess game options such as bughouse, un-chess, blitz, and 4-way. Newcomers welcome!

View our October newsletter for more information.

Questions? Contact Daniel Peterson, volunteer chess coach.

Learn about the Ski Team

Mark your calendar to attend these meetings if you're interested in being part of the La Salle Ski Team!

Oct. 24, 7-8:30 pm in the Forum at West Linn High School - Details and fees
Nov. 6, 7-8:30 pm in the Forum at West Linn High School - Collect forms and fees

Contact Sue Miller with any questions.

News from the student publication, The Falconer

After Strong 3-2 Start, Varsity Football Looks Toward Milwaukie, Playoffs

Student of the Week — Emma Sheets

The Freshmen of La Salle — Initial Thoughts and Impressions

Teacher of the Week — Mr. Swanson

The Gorge in Flames — Here's What You Need to Know

From the Falconer opinion archives... Overextended and Undercommitted

Photos of the Week

Above: Led by social studies teacher Mr. Josh Barstow, the Outdoor Club rafted on the Deschutes River on Saturday, Sept. 16. Good times!

Below: Falcon football players celebrate a touchdown at Sandy last Friday. Come cheer on the Falcons at Milwaukie High School tonight at 7pm! Photo credit: Scott Nakagawa

Got questions? Ask parents@lsprep.org

There's a lot going on at La Salle, and parents and students are bound to have questions: What do kids wear to the dance? When are tryouts for basketball? Where do I go if I have a question about PowerSchool?

That’s why we developed the parent resource emailbox, parents@lsprep.org, Think of it as a hotline where you can talk to someone who's been in your shoes. This mailbox email is managed by La Salle staff who are alums, have had, or do have children at La Salle. Your questions will be addressed within 24 hours and kept confidential. So, if you're curious, ask away. We're here to help.